Herman Badillo, who ran against Mike Bloomberg in the 2001 GOP primary, has backed the two-term mayor for re-election.

"As a lifelong civil servant and education policy-maker in New York City, I can tell you truthfully that Mike Bloomberg has successfully transformed our city's ailing education system," said Badillo, a former congressman, Bronx borough president, deputy mayor, and chairman of the board of trustees of the City University of New York. "He has worked diligently to see graduation and test scores improve, and hasn't deterred from his goal of providing an education to every New York City child so that they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

"Herman has dedicated his life to serving the Puerto Rican people of his community and all New Yorkers," said Bloomberg. "He understands, as a former public figure himself, that it's the government's job to provide a good education, safe streets, and essential services to all who need them. Because of the support from influential community leaders like Herman, we have been able to transform our education system from a paralyzed bureaucracy into a model for big cities across the country."